A recent survey conducted by Washington Post-ABC News Ipsos reveals a significant sentiment among Americans regarding political leaders. According to the findings, a staggering 60 percent of respondents believe that former President Donald Trump is “out of touch” with the concerns of most people in the country. This perception extends beyond Trump, as 69 percent of those surveyed feel that the Democratic Party is also “out of touch,” and 64 percent hold the same view about the Republican Party.
While the survey indicates that Americans tend to trust Trump more than congressional Democrats, it is evident that no political group enjoys a favorable reputation. The Washington Post highlighted that opinions on Trump's performance largely differ along party lines. Over 90 percent of Democrats express disapproval of his handling of the presidency, in stark contrast to more than 80 percent of Republicans who approve of his performance. Notably, despite this approval, 15 percent of GOP voters have rated Trump negatively, a figure that marks an increase compared to his first term at the same point.
The Ipsos survey indicates a decline in Trump’s overall approval rating since earlier this year. In February, 45 percent of Americans approved of his job as president, but by April, that number had dipped to 39 percent. This downward trend is further reflected in various recent polls, which suggest growing dissatisfaction with Trump's leadership as he approaches the traditional evaluation milestone of his presidency.
According to a poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 40 percent of Americans describe Trump as a “terrible” leader in his second term. Additionally, a poll from The New York Times/Siena College reported Trump’s approval rating at 42 percent, a figure that is significantly lower than those of recent presidents at the same point in their administrations.
The overall survey results indicate a widespread dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies. Many Americans feel that he has overstepped his authority, negatively impacting both the economy and the United States' standing on the global stage. The Washington Post/Ipsos survey was conducted between April 18-22 with a sample size of 2,454 respondents and a margin of error of 2 percentage points.
As these results unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that the American public is looking for leaders who are in touch with their concerns, and the current political landscape reflects a growing disconnect between the electorate and their elected officials.
